Industry focus
Creating an effective vision of an organization’s future requires a deep understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and values of the community it serves.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
I advise Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and other businesses on corporate, governance, and government contracting matters. My experience includes company formation and governance, shareholder meetings and proxy solicitations, employment law, economic development, and compliance with the Small Business Administration’s Section 8(a) Business Development Program.
Having served in in-house roles at two Alaska Native regional corporations, most recently as a Chief Legal Officer, I understand the legal and business considerations my clients face. I draw on that perspective to provide practical solutions that address immediate needs while supporting broader business objectives.
I also advise on federal government contracting matters, including Federal Acquisition Regulation compliance, bid protests, and claims and appeals under the Contract Disputes Act.
I have practiced law in Alaska throughout my career, currently serve on several nonprofit boards, and am past President of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra.
Experience
Alaska Native Corporations and Native American law
- Advise ANCs in all aspects of shareholder meetings, including the implementation and interpretation of election rules, compliance with regulations promulgated by the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities, and service as parliamentarian.
- Represent ANCs in the creation and effective use of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) settlement trusts to maximize benefits to the corporation and its shareholders.
- Assist clients with corporate governance matters, including corporate restructuring, board fiduciary training, drafting and revising corporate policies and procedures, and strategic planning.
- Advise tribes and tribal health organizations with respect to self-determination contracts, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) matters, and procurement.
Business and corporate
- Provide strategic guidance on the intricacies of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Section 8(a) Business Development Program, including formation of new subsidiaries, 8(a) applications, teaming agreements, joint ventures, and mentor-protégé agreements.
- Advise government contractors with respect to contract purchase agreements and contract novation.
- Represented an ANC in all contracting pertaining to multimillion-dollar natural gas exploration project.
Employment law
- Advise ANCs in proceedings before the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights and the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission.
- Represented an ANC in all aspects of a labor contract renegotiation.
- Successfully represented an ANC in an NLRB proceeding involving a security services union.
- Conduct internal investigations in response to internal whistleblower complaints.
Litigation and dispute resolution
- Successfully obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in a misappropriation of trade secrets case on behalf of an Alaska Native-owned technology company.
- Obtained corrective action in bid protests before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
- Obtained a successful result for an ANC client in proceedings before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
- Negotiated a favorable settlement of requests for equitable adjustment with a municipal government entity on differing site conditions claims for an Alaska Native-owned construction company.
Education
- University of Washington School of Law, Juris Doctor, with honors (2011)
- The George Washington University, Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude (2008)
Admissions
- Alaska State Courts
Memberships
- Alaska Bar Association, Law Examiners Committee
- American Bar Association
- Phi Beta Kappa, member
Awards
Alaska’s Legal Elite in Corporate Law
Community Activities
- Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, Past-President and Director
- French Language Advocates Anchorage, Vice President and Director
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